Solder Paste Question

skip_scratch · 25th May 2006, 10:15 PM

I purchased some solder paste /flux to use to help me the solder flow for hot tinning some PCBs I'm etching.

There is no information on the container other than "solder paste". It there a way to tell via some test etc if this is the electronic flux or the plumbing flux?

poobah · 25th May 2006, 11:05 PM

Don't use it if you don't know EXACTLY what it is...

Paste fluxes are generally used for plumbing. In electronics they show up in solder / flux paste formulas used for reflow soldering SMT parts.

Kester #331 is a nice liquid flux that will work well. It also washes off nicely with hot water and doesn't pollute.

AndrewT · 26th May 2006, 07:23 AM

Hi,
solder paste and flux paste are two completely different products.

Solder paste is a flux with solder powder incorporated.

However, you do need to check what kind of flux and it's compatability with electronic circuit boards.

artz · 26th May 2006, 07:34 PM

Hi Im new to the forums but iam a surface mount engineer and i know a bit about solder paste . Does it have a name? if it does i can probably tell you what it is ie is it Alpha/fry/indium or such like?

25th May 2006, 10:15 PM	#1
skip_scratch diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Toronto	Solder Paste Question I purchased some solder paste /flux to use to help me the solder flow for hot tinning some PCBs I'm etching. There is no information on the container other than "solder paste". It there a way to tell via some test etc if this is the electronic flux or the plumbing flux?

26th May 2006, 07:34 PM	#4
artz diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2006	solder paste Hi Im new to the forums but iam a surface mount engineer and i know a bit about solder paste . Does it have a name? if it does i can probably tell you what it is ie is it Alpha/fry/indium or such like?

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25th May 2006, 11:05 PM	#2
poobah diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005	Don't use it if you don't know EXACTLY what it is... Paste fluxes are generally used for plumbing. In electronics they show up in solder / flux paste formulas used for reflow soldering SMT parts. Kester #331 is a nice liquid flux that will work well. It also washes off nicely with hot water and doesn't pollute.

26th May 2006, 07:23 AM	#3
AndrewT diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scottish Borders	Hi, solder paste and flux paste are two completely different products. Solder paste is a flux with solder powder incorporated. However, you do need to check what kind of flux and it's compatability with electronic circuit boards.